It would not be proper to embarrass him when all eyes were upon them.
Isabelle opened her mouth to agree when a deep voice cleared his throat behind her.
“Unfortunately, her first dance has already been spoken for.”
Eighteen
Felix stared down Lord Townshend, waiting to see if the other man would back down or challenge him. There was a hard set to his jaw that seemed like he would argue for the opportunity to dance with Isabelle.
She looked over her shoulder at Felix before turning back to Lord Townshend. “I am sorry. My first dance has been spoken for.”
“Then your second.” Lord Townshend looked determined, his hands falling to his sides and balling into fists. He drew his shoulders back.
“Her second dance is spoken for as well, and if I were you, I would not dare to ask for her third, because Lord Stanford has already spoken for that, and by her fourth she may be ready to retire for the evening.
Isabelle looked as confused as Felix felt. He didn’t know what he was doing, but when he walked into the ballroom and saw Lord Townshend approaching her, he knew he had to step between them.
She had made her feelings about the man quite clear. Even if she hadn’t, Felix would never allow him to marry her. He had proven himself utterly unworthy of her during the promenade.
Not that Miss Alden was incapable of caring for herself. She had also proven that.
However, if Felix intended to see her married, he would have to keep her from wasting time with the wrong men. If that meant that he would share a dance or several with her over the course of the coming weeks to keep the scoundrels away, then that is what he would do.
I will not for one moment allow myself to think that it means more than it does.
As the musicians started to play, Felix stepped neatly between Isabelle and Lord Townshend and extended his hand.
Isabelle raised an eyebrow, a small smile curling at the corner of her mouth as she allowed him to lead her onto the floor. She hummed along with the tune, but her gaze was distant.
It was as if she was focusing more on the steps than just losing herself to the music. Felix pressed her closer as they waltzed,moving around the room together like it was the easiest thing in the world.
At least it was until she tripped over her own feet.
Felix let out a low chuckle, his hand pressing harder against her back to keep her upright before she could fall over. “Step on my toes.”
“I would not do that. You will end up waddling out of here when our two dances are done.” The impish smile was back as she looked up at him, mischief shining in her beautiful ocean blue eyes. “Thank you for offering to dance with me.”
“You make it sound as if it is charity,” he said, lifting her onto his feet.
“Is it?”
His gaze locked onto hers and he gave a slight shake of his head. “I prefer to think of it as two friends rescuing each other. If I did not dance with you, then Miss Fitzroy would be expecting me to be with her right now.”
“Oh.”
Felix arched an eyebrow. “Is that a problem?”
Isabelle smiled but it failed to make its way to her eyes. “No. I was simply unaware that we were friends.”
“We are, and I should warn you that after our two dances there will be a swarm of bachelors coming your way.”
“And here I thought my third dance was to be with Lord Stanford.”
“It will be, but the men will try to sneak in between us. They always want what they cannot have.”
Isabelle laughed and shook her head. “You overestimate the power of my dancing capabilities. Anyone who looks at me right now should see that dancing is the last thing they should be asking me to do.”
“I do not think you give yourself enough credit,” he said, his voice soft as he looked down at her.
